Twelve-year-old Caden Ballard of Texas is recovering in a hospital burn unit after a TikTok-inspired stunt resulted in severe burns. What started as a seemingly harmless online experiment quickly turned dangerous when Caden’s shirt caught fire while he and his older brother tried a viral flame stunt using rubbing alcohol. The family now hopes their story warns others about the risks behind viral social media challenges.
The TikTok Stunt That Backfired
Caden and his older brother saw a TikTok video demonstrating how to pour rubbing alcohol into a bottle and ignite it, producing a flame shooting out of the top. “My brother and I did that, and it was cool,” Caden recounted to KXAN, describing how they imitated the experiment on August 16.
After the fire appeared to go out, Caden’s brother told him to throw the bottle away. When Caden picked it up to toss it into a trash can, his shirt suddenly burst into flames. The flame had been invisible, caused by isopropyl alcohol fumes, making it especially dangerous.
Immediate Danger and Heroic Response
Their mother, Christina Ballard, was horrified when she found Caden covered in burns on the porch after the incident. She described seeing his face, chest, arms, and stomach burned badly as if his skin had melted away.
Quick thinking by Caden’s older brother helped contain the fire. He tore off Caden’s burning shirt and instructed him to stop, drop, and roll, an action that likely prevented further injury.
Hospitalization and Ongoing Recovery
Caden was rushed to a burn unit in Dallas before being transferred to a specialized children’s burn center in Galveston. He has already undergone surgery and faces weeks of intensive treatment, therapy, and recovery ahead.
A GoFundMe page established by the family has raised nearly $1,500 so far, seeking support to cover medical bills and ongoing care. The family noted the emotional and financial difficulties of the long healing process for such serious burns.
Family’s Warning and Message to Others
Christina Ballard is now using her son’s terrifying experience to caution parents and children about the dangers of trying viral online stunts without understanding the risks. “We got very lucky,” she said. “Unfortunately, it’s bad—but it could have been so much worse.”
The family encourages families to talk openly about internet safety and be vigilant about the content their kids engage with on platforms like TikTok and Reddit.
Conclusion: A Harrowing Lesson on Social Media Dangers
Caden Ballard’s ordeal serves as a chilling reminder about the dangers of mimicking social media challenges, especially those involving fire or hazardous materials. While online platforms offer entertainment and connection, their viral trends can quickly turn hazardous.
Through their pain and recovery, Caden’s family hopes to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.
